Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Pasadena Library Asks Patrons: How Do You Use Your Library?

Statewide survey runs January 26-31 to capture patron experiences across California

For the parents who bring toddlers to storytime. For the job seekers updating resumes on library computers. For the students who need a quiet place to study. Pasadena Public Library wants to hear from all of you.

The library will be participating in “Every Story Counts,” a statewide California initiative asking patrons to describe how they use their local library.

The survey runs January 26-31 and the survey form will be available on the library’s homepage. For a system serving residents through 10 branch locations, the feedback could help shape how resources and services reach the community.

“The Pasadena Public Library staff work hard to provide our community with a wide range of programs and services,” Library Director Tim McDonald said in a statement. “We want to know more about not only how and why our community uses the library, but to hear from the community directly about their own library experiences.”

The California State Library organized the initiative to capture the full range of ways residents rely on public libraries — information that traditional circulation numbers cannot measure. The survey asks patrons about their experiences and the ways they use the library, from borrowing items and attending programs to using library space and accessing services.

“We all know the value of public libraries and the strong return on investment they provide,” California State Librarian Greg Lucas said. “Every Story Counts will help us create a more complete picture of the extraordinary range of activities that happen in libraries across the state.”

Pasadena’s library system circulates more than 1.2 million items annually and offers over 60 storytimes each month across its branches. The branches also provide public computers, chromebooks, hotspots, and programming for children, teens, and adults. The survey is available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and several other languages.

Statewide and local results will be shared in spring 2026. Each participating library will receive a summary of its own responses.

The initiative is supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

The survey will be available starting January 26 at PasadenaPublicLibrary.net.